Whatever It Takes (Bold As Love 3)

“Terrible. I checked my temperature earlier and it was 103.2.”

“I'm sorry,” he says with a kiss on the forehead, which catches me off guard. Noticing my expression he adds, “Sorry. You're still Sweetness to me. I can't help myself.”

“It's fine. I'm just surprised, I reckon. Can we consider today a date?”

Jake's eyes widen a bit and he answers, “Sure.”

Hesitation stops me for just a second before I place a tender kiss on Jake's full lips. It doesn't last long because I don't want to get Jake sick, but it was long enough.

“Thanks for today.”

I find the crook of his neck again and close my eyes. Jake's lips are by my ear when he replies minutes later assuming I am asleep.

“Anything for you, Sweetness.”

If this is my life, I can certainly get used to it. Jake is sweet and affectionate to no end. Who wouldn't want that? The next time I awake, I find myself clinging to Jake in my bed. The red numbers tell me that it's two in the morning. My eyes and cheeks are wet from a nightmare that I can't remember but yet I'm terrified to fall back asleep. I shake Jake awake and immediately he questions what is wrong.

“Can you stay awake with me? I had a nightmare and I don't want to go back to sleep. Couldn't tell you what it was about though.”

“I sure can. C'mere.”

Scooting closer to Jake, his arms wrap around me and I feel fragile.

“I wish I remembered.”

“Me too, Sweetness, but it'll come back.”

“What if it doesn't?”

“It will,” he says with conviction.

I sure hope he's right.

16

Jake

Emily seemed terrified when she woke me up this morning. I can only assume that her nightmare was about the baby. I didn't want to tell her that was a possibility though. She has enough on her plate as it is. Days pass and it seems that I'm falling in love with Emily all over again.

We go on dates similar to our first dates.

Each time, the goodnight kiss lasts a little longer than the previous and Emily tugs me into the bed with her to fall asleep in my arms. Since she had that nightmare, she's keeps telling me that she wants me there. Just in case. I don't mind one bit.

I was surprised when Emily agreed to keep her job. She's a fast learner that's for sure. It's been an enjoyable ride coasting along and falling in love with one another once more. Emily hasn't said she loves me yet, but I can see it in her eyes.

We studied our asses off for exams. I had to study for mine while trying to get Emily prepared for hers. I'm amazed that she passed. She's such a quick learner. Before I know it, exams are over and we are heading back home for Christmas. Emily was gaining a few memories back here and there, but she keeps reminding me that they feel as if they weren't hers.

Every night before Emily goes home, there's a hesitation in her actions. Her steps are slower, her words are spoken with care, and her eyes have a twinge of fear. The nightmares haven't stopped but Emily still can't remember one.

“You'll be fine,” I say with a kiss on the forehead. “If not, you can always do like you used to and run over during the night.”

A smile converges and my heart skips a few beats. Emily isn't worth the skip of just one beat. She's worth the skip of many. I didn't think it was possible to love her more than I already do, but I am deeper in love than ever before. No matter what, if a love is true, it will always be there. Even without her memory, Emily found her way back to me and I couldn't be more grateful.

I see Sweetness safely to the door and watch as she heads to Mike's. Back upstairs, I play a few games with Drake before I tuck him in for the night.

“How have things been, buddy?”

“Okay. Dad hasn't been as cheery, but we still have fun.”